Choose one of the following to register!

BITSMUN Accomodation

Accommodation will be provided to the participants of BITSMUN 2015 by the Secretariat on a strictly first come first serve basis. Those who wish to avail of this facility can separately apply for the same.

Accommodation will be provided from one day prior to the conference i.e. 5th Feb till the 7th of Feb, 2015. Check out time will be 12 noon on the last day of the conference i.e. 8th Feb, 2015.

Transportation will be provided to the campus from your hotels only at particular times as decided by the BITSMUN organizing team: 1 round trip per day from their respective hotels to the conference venue along with back and forth travel for the Delegates Social to be conducted on the first day of the Conference i.e. 6th Feb, 2015.

Accomodation Fees

Non AC : INR 1700/- AC : INR 2300/- Please note that, once the payment is made, we will not be able to initiate any sort of refund.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

Accommodation is provided off campus. So the Campus does not hold any responsibility for
any sorts of mishaps.

Accommodation will be provided on a sharing basis.

Travel facilities are provided only to the participants availing accommodation from the
BITSMUN organizing team. Rest of the delegates need to arrange for themselves.

Food is not included in the accommodation fee. Breakfast and Lunch will be provided on all
three days of the conference by the organizing committee. Participants have to make their own
arrangements for any other meal that they might require.

Hotels will be providing mattresses, buckets and mugs only. Locks, blankets and anything
else (which you may require) should be brought by participants themselves.

An SBI ATM along with an HDFC ATM is available inside the campus.

Bus service will be provided at fixed timings, which will be informed beforehand to all the
delegates. In case anyone misses it, they need to arrange for their own travel.

QUARK team will not take any responsibility of any theft or mishaps. So participants are
requested to take care of their belongings.

Alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, sharp objects and explosives of any kind are strictly prohibited
inside the campus. The decision of security team will be binding in case of any disputes.

Participants found guilty of misconduct will not be allowed to enter the campus.

No male shall be permitted into the female hotel premises under any circumstances.

NOTE :

The details of the boarding hotels will be informed soon through mail. In case if
you are not able to check your mail, please contact the people listed below 2
hours before your arrival in goa.
We try to provide you the best possible accommodation. If you are not satisfied
with the accommodation provided and want to shift to a different one, the cost of
the new accommodation should be beared by you. The previously paid money,
will not be refunded.

Message from the Secretariat

Welcome Delegates!

It gives us immense pleasure and a great deal of satisfaction to bring you the seventh edition of
BITSMUN, the annual international MUN conference held at BITS Pilani K.K. Birla Goa Campus from the 6th to the 8th of February, 2015.
At BITSMUN, our goal is to infuse life, via academic simulation, into the thriving international
diplomatic community of the United Nations. We place you in realistic scenarios to give you a
deep insight into the working of the distinguished international bodies that are pivotal for the
advancement of the modern world.

This year we present to you an incredible array of
, enthralling debates, our perpetually-
exquisite social events and an assemblage of talent from all around the world. We invite you to
discover yourself in the sun-drenched boulevards of one of India’s most beautiful college campuses,
into the irresistible allure exerted by the pocket-sized charms of Goa.

We look forward to seeing you in Goa in February, 2015. Stay tuned for more updates!

Sincerely,Shreyash Mohatta Dy. Secretary General
BITSMUN 2015

ABOUT

MUN

MUN

Model United Nations (MUN) is a simulation of the different United Nations organs and other forums of international relations. Taking on the role of an Ambassador to the UN, each delegate represents a member state of the UN, researching that state’s policy and advocating these views to resolve pressing international issues.

The vast amount of issues that the United Nations cover allow for a wide array of debate topics, that can fit many tastes and fields of study. The goal of an MUN is to gain and improve these skills in a setting that is both respectful and challenging. Participants are able to reflect on the realities of the international system.

An MUN, is not only about debating but is also about network building. It helps in fostering strong lasting relationships amongst students from different backgrounds.

Being part of an MUN, is an interactive learning experience that not only involves young people in the study and discussion of global issues, but also encourages the development of skills useful throughout their lives, such as research, public speaking, problem solving, conflict resolution, cooperation etc.

BITSMUN

BITSMUN

BITSMUN is one of the fastest growing MUN conferences that takes place at India’s most sought-after holiday destination. One of the very few Indian MUNs that sees international participation, BITSMUN 2014 saw delegates coming all the way down to Goa from 9 different countries.

One of the most celebrated MUNs in India, the conference spans over a period of 3 days,where participants showcase their exemplary communication skills, be it first timers or seasoned MUNers from all over India. Every day at BITSMUN is unique in itself, with fantastic debate and social events. BITSMUN’14 saw a participation of over 350 delegates, making it one of the largest MUNs in the country.

At BITSMUN, we believe in inculcating a sense of responsibility amongst the students of today and future leaders of tomorrow. We encourage critical thinking in a professional yet socially stimulating setting through the event- something that we ensure through our thought-provoking agendas, and always-brilliant simulations of international fora, as well as our trademark unconventional council.

BITSMUN Goa, since its inception, has had the privilege of bringing MUN to many who would otherwise have not had the opportunity to experience the celebration of internationalism and cultural relations and we hope to continue doing the same.

GOA

GOA

Welcome to the Party Capital of India. Everything that is integrated to Goa, be it its cuisine or beaches, handicrafts or culture, fantastic and unique in itself.
Forget the beaches of Australia, Thailand or Bali and head to some of the most amazing beaches of the world in Goa. This former Portuguese colony boasts sun-kissed beaches that offer everything from parties to adventure, solitude to sunbathing.
Sun, surf, sand and awesome cuisine — Goa’s beaches offer them all.

Here’s a list -

Arambol Beach, North Goa :
Arambol in Goa’s far north, still retains vestiges of its flower child past. A fishing village, it has metamorphosed into a tourist favourite. You could do the usual beach stroll, swim in the sea or just laze around like in other beaches. Or else, you could spoil yourself with the alternative therapies that are offered, such as meditation, yoga, Tai Chi and Reiki.

Baga Beach :
One of the most popular tourist spots in Goa, Baga is known for its beach parties, nightlife and amazing seafood served at its beach shacks and restaurants.

Candolim Beach :
Situated very near Baga, Candolim’s beach is counted amongst the most beautiful beaches in India. Under the shadow of popular beaches like Baga and Calangute, Candolim escapes the hordes that visit Goa during peak season.

Cavelossim Beach :
Situated at the mouth of Sal River, Cavelossim beach is serene, flanked by paddy fields and coconut groves. As most tourists head for the more popular beaches, Cavelossim witnesses less crowds.

The Goan coastline provides golden sun covered crescents of sand. The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendours of its temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a firm favourite with travellers around the world.
Goa has a soul which goes deep into unique history, rich culture and some of the prettiest natural scenery that India has to offer.

SECRETARY GENERAL'S ADDRESS

Secretary General's Address

My dear friends and fellow citizens of the world,
I'm immensely happy to be able to welcome you to the seventh edition of BITSMUN. In the years that I've been a part of the BITSMUN society, we've evolved into a truly fantastic team, delivering the very best in terms of debate quality, the application of cutting-edge technology, and of course, the Goa experience, to all of our delegates, from India and abroad.

We had a fantastic MUN last year with nearly 350 delegates vigourously debating a plethora of international affairs, from the immigration policies of the European Union to the Sri Lankan Civil War. We even outdid ourselves with our revolutionary Joint Crisis Cabinet: simulating, for the first time in India, the wars of Hannibal Barca and the Roman Republic in a brilliant military setting. But that's not all: BITSMUN went international last year, welcoming delegates from Kenya, Nepal and Kyrgyzstan. I'd like to thank everyone for your invaluable participation and feedback, and it really means a lot to our team.

As for BITSMUN 2015- I'm hard put to find words to describe how excited I am to welcome all of you to Goa again next year! We have an all-new set of councils, with agendas firmly set in some of the most important and controversial events that humanity faces today. There's something for everyone- from human rights crusaders to economists, from defence enthusiasts to environment activists, from journalists to historians and patriots. And of course, military historians have a pleasant surprise headed their way with this year's Joint Crisis Cabinet!

BITSMUN has grown into one of India's largest MUNs, the cynosure of the international community, and the nucleus of a thriving society of young leaders sure to change the modern world for the better. Once again, welcome! I look forward to meeting you all this February.

FAQs & POLICIES

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS & POLICIES

Why participate in BITSMUN?

BITSMUN has always stood out from the rest of the MUN crowd for a great deal of reasons. We constantly strive to bring the spirit of innovation and intensive research via a realistic, academic simulation of the thriving international diplomatic community of the United Nations, and provide our delegates with a deep and lasting insight into the functioning of those distinguished international bodies that play such an important role in running the modern world. In addition, BITSMUN also offers its participants excellent social events and the Goan environment will surely leave a memorable experience.

Who can take part in BITSMUN?

All students in undergraduate or graduate programmes and high school students are eligible to participate in BITSMUN.

Do I need MUN experience?

Absolutely not - a considerable number of participants at BITSMUN every year have had no experience with MUNs before. Enthusiasm is the characteristic we look for the most.

Is BITSMUN open for delegations?

Participation in BITSMUN depends on an individual application. If a group of students are willing to participate, then they may file their individual applications in a bundle and pay the application fee in one sum. In that case, we would like to ask you to pass this information on to us as soon as possible, so that we can avoid confusion.

Will there be a dress code during the conference?

A formal dress code will be strictly enforced during the conference. Business apparel is required during all sessions, meaning suits for men and business dress for women. Casual wear is suitable for all other events.

Is accommodation provided?

BITSMUN offers accommodation on a first come first serve basis to its participants in Goa. There will be a separate registration form for accommodation which will be put up shortly.

Does BITSMUN provide meals?

BITSMUN provides breakfast and lunch everyday. The social events taking place would also have food provided.

General Policies :

The Secretary-General and the Director-General are the only individuals empowered to make exceptions to any of the rules mentioned as a part of all the policies in this document.

BITSMUN 2015 is not liable for any promises/exceptions made by other members of the organizing committee regarding fees or policies.

The BITSMUN 2015 Executive board/organizing committee reserves the right to amend the country/council matrix. Additionally, country and council allotments are solely under the discretion of the organizing committee and the Executive Board members.

Council policies for every council shall be laid down by the Secretary General along with the Executive Board Members for the respective councils. All Executive Board Members are free to exercise their freedom to conduct the council in a way that they deem best. There will be no motion for censure/motion for impeachment that will be entertained against any Executive board member for the period of BITSMUN 2015.

Code of Conduct :

Consumption or possession of drugs and/or alcohol will not be entertained even in the smallest of proportions. If any delegate is found to be in possession of alcohol or drugs, that delegation will be asked to leave the conference immediately. Violators of this policy may be criminally liable.

Cigarette smoking is not permitted within the campus premises.

BITSMUN 2015 is NOT responsible for belongings left in council rooms. If any delegate leaves his/her belongings in council rooms, then he/she is doing so at his/her own risk.

All delegates are expected to be present at committee, and must stay in committee meetings for the established duration.

In order to receive a certificate of participation, a delegate has to attend a minimum of 7 out of 9 sessions. In order to receive an award, a delegate must attend all sessions in the absence of unacceptable/unavoidable circumstances which shall be deemed valid only by the respective Executive Board members and the Secretary-General. The chairpersons and the organizing committee will log attendance.

Delegates must wear the ID badges provided by the Conference at all times during BITSMUN 2015, in and out of conference events, including all the socials.

The official language at BITSMUN 2015 will be ENGLISH.

During the sessions, the delegates are expected to exercise diplomatic courtesy when addressing members of the committee and the dais. The delegates are expected to address the other delegates in third person. No use of slang or informal terms would be entertained. In addition, delegates are also requested to be polite to all the logistics members.

Conference Fee and other policies :

The details of the Conference fees shall be published on the website. Delegates will not be allowed to participate in BITSMUN 2015 unless they have paid the registration fees.

There will be no refund in case a delegate backs out of the conference.

The Executive board/organizing committee has the right to immediately expel delegates from both the committee as well as conference premises due to unacceptable behaviour.

Any photo, video, and other audio/visual material taken and/or recorded during BITSMUN 2015 featuring any delegate may be used and published for promotional purposes by the BITSMUN 2015 organizing committee.

MUN PLANET

MUN Planet

MUNPlanet is a knowledge network where members create, curate and share their knowledge and experiences about issues of global importance. It is for people who are passionate about the world, share the values of the United Nations and have actively been a part of Model UN Simulations, from all over the world.

Head over to www.munplanet.com now, to see BITS International Model United Nations 2015 as the featured event for this month!

Committees

GA : DISEC

General Assembly first committee : DISEC

Resources

The DISEC committee was established by the UN to serve as a forum for representatives from all member countries to "consider the general principles of co-operation in the maintenance of international peace and security" (Chapter IV, Article 11). This committee takes the measures necessary for the prevention or the reduction of international hostilities on matters that are not under discussion by the United Nations Security Council. DISECs work functions as a basis for General Assembly resolutions or are submitted as recommendations to the Secretariat or Security Council. The DISEC Committee is comprised of all member states of the United Nations each having one vote; resolutions are passed by a simple majority vote.

At BITSMUN 2015 as in BITSMUN 2014, the GA-DISEC will address issues pertinent to lasting international peace and security.

UNHRC

United Nations Human Rights Council

Resources

Update : The horrific events that unfolded on the morning of the 7th of January, 2015, in the office of a weekly magazine in Paris, have shook the world. The massacre of the twelve employees of Charlie Hebdo was a direct attack on the freedom of expression, and we condemn it. Nous sommes Charlie.
In light of these recent developments, BITSMUN'15 will host an emergency merger of the European Union, and the United Nations Human Rights Council, with an agenda to discuss the freedom of press.Given the immediate nature of this announcement, the delegates have been given a choice in deciding the agenda. The verdict has been overwhelmingly in favour of the Freedom of the press. Background Guides, Rules of Procedure and a call/mail from the BITSMUN team will be on the way soon!

The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is a United Nations System inter-governmental body whose 47 member states are responsible for promoting and protecting human rights around the world.The council works closely with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and engages the United Nations' special procedures.

The members of the General Assembly elect the members who occupy the UNHRC's 47 seats. The term of each seat is three years, and no member may occupy a seat for more than two consecutive terms. The seats are distributed among the UN's regional groups as follows: 13 for Africa, 13 for Asia, six for Eastern Europe, eight for Latin America and the Caribbean (GRULAC), and seven for the Western European and Others Group (WEOG).

The resolution establishing the UNHRC states that "when electing members of the Council, Member States shall take into account the contribution of candidates to the promotion and protection of human rights and their voluntary pledges and commitments made thereto", and that "members elected to the Council shall uphold the highest standards in the promotion and protection of human rights".

With the ideology of human rights at the very heart of some of the most devastating conflicts in recent memory, the UNHRC at BITSMUN 2015 will delve into some of these.

JCC

Joint Crisis Committee

Resources

Joint Crisis Committees are no simple rehash of the typical MUN experience. A JCC is a dynamic committee, where a continous crisis is driven by delegates. By definition, a crisis committee is a small body brought together to deal with an issue of immediate importance. There are no set "rules" of how delegates have to respond to this issue. It involves international espionage, fast-paced decision-making, and dynamic debates, all aimed destroying the ideological enemy. Joint Crisis Committees are very different from the normal MUN experience, yet equal even the United Nations Security Council in their complexity and challenge.What delegates will be asked to deal with is only partially revealed for preparation. They offer an unpredictable, volatile, urgent, but undoubtedly exciting, experience.

BITSMUN Goa created MUN history by simulating the Second Punic War of the Roman Republic in a brilliant military simulation last year, involving an interactive map of the Ancient Mediterranean and a revolutionary new battle simulator! This year, we aim to outdo ourselves with a JCC based on the French Emperor Napoléon Bonaparte's attempt to re-establish the French Empire after his abdication in 1814, culminating in one of history's most famous battles at Waterloo in 1815. Can you change the course of human history? Can the Emperor Napoléon restore his glorious Empire?

Kashmir 1947

Kashmir 1947

Resources

British rule in India ended in 1947 with the creation of a new state: the Dominion of Pakistan alongside the Union of India, the successor state to British India, while British suzerainty over the 562 Indian princely states ended. According to the Indian Independence Act 1947, "the suzerainty of His Majesty over the Indian States lapses, and with it, all treaties and agreements in force at the date of the passing of this Act between His Majesty and the rulers of Indian States". States were thereafter left to choose whether to join India or Pakistan or to remain independent. Jammu and Kashmir, the largest of the princely states, had a predominantly Muslim population ruled by the Hindu Maharaja Hari Singh. Following partition, Pakistan had expected the annexation of Kashmir to its terrirory.

In October 1947, Muslim revolutionaries in western Kashmir and Pakistani tribesmen from Dir entered Kashmir intending to overthrow Dogra rule. Unable to resist the invasion, the Maharaja signed an instrument of accession on 25 October 1947 subsequently accepted by the government of India on 27 October 1947. However, the issue of Kashmiri sovereignty remains at the heart of the modern world's most tragic conflicts- can you engineer a solution for lasting peace in 1947?

NATO

North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

Resources

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) also known as the Atlantic Alliance, is an intergovernmental military alliance based on the North Atlantic Treaty which was signed on 4 April 1949. The organization constitutes a system of collective defence whereby its member states agree to mutual defense in response to an attack by any external party. NATO's headquarters are in Brussels, Belgium, one of the 28 member states across North America and Europe.An additional 22 countries participate in NATO's Partnership for Peace program, with 15 other countries involved in institutionalized dialogue programmes. The combined military spending of all NATO members constitutes over 70% of the global total.Article 5 of the North Atlantic treaty, requires member states to come to the aid of any member state subjected to an armed attack.

As one of the modern world's most powerful military coalitions, NATO will be a council to look forward to at BITSMUN 2015.

IP

International Press

Resources

"Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.
-Thomas Jefferson"

Journalism, and the freedom of the press, are the bedrock of the democracies of the modern world. Journalists on the front line in conflict zones and the corridors of power are the conscience of the world- reminding them what has been done, and what still needs to be done, to make our world a better place.

The International Press at BITSMUN allows participants to act as these distinguished, unbiased journalists, reporting on the proceedings of each simulation in the conference. They are present for committee debates, conduct interviews, and write articles which will be published in the BITSMUN Newsletter, read by all participants.

The International Press at BITSMUN '15 will be an unprecedented opportunity for aspiring journalists and photographers to showcase their talent on the international stage. With a full complement of editorial staff, reporters and photographers, IP members will be expected to cover the events of the day, wielding a pen to act as the conscience of the MUN- watching, reporting, playing the most vital role of all.

Resources for International Applicants

A letter to our International Delegates

BITSMUN, one of India's premier MUN experiences, is pleased to announce its sixth edition, to be held at BITS PILANI K.K. BIRLA GOA CAMPUS. BITSMUN 2014 will be held from 7th to 9th February, 2014 as a part of the institute’s technical festival Quark.
It gives us, the Secretariat, a great deal of satisfaction to be able to invite you to be a part of this year's conference. At BITSMUN, we are deeply committed to the goal of bringing to life, via a realistic, academic simulation, the thriving international diplomatic community of the United Nations, and providing our delegates with a deep and lasting insight into the functioning of those distinguished international bodies that play such an important role in running the modern world.
BITSMUN has always stood out from the rest of the MUN crowd for a great deal of reasons. Firstly, our councils. As one of the few truly great MUNs conducted by a Society of Engineers, we constantly strive to bring the same spirit of innovation and intensive research with which we live our lives to the conference itself- as a result, technology and out-of-the-box solutions are always at the forefront. As an example, in addition to our United Nations bodies and Specialized Agencies, we also bring you a Joint Crisis Cabinet set during one of the first great ancient wars- Hannibal Barca’s Second Punic War, 218 B.C., the details of which may be found on our website. Multimedia options are also being implemented to improve the quality of the simulation.
Next, the excellence of our social events. BITSMUN 2014 offers two social nights, one of which is a Delegates’ Ball, providing a great opportunity for attendees to interact with their peers from all over the subcontinent, and the other, our trademark Party on the Beach.
And, finally, the location itself. Set in the sprawling confines of one of India’s most beautiful college campuses, in the balmy sun and white beaches of Goa, BITSMUN truly does have something to offer every MUN patron.
With a humble beginning in 2009 with 60 delegates in attendance, BITSMUN has come a long way, with last year’s conference having over 320 delegates across seven councils debating furiously on various international issues.
We are proud to announce that BITSMUN 2014 is set to be the biggest BITSMUN ever, with a strength of over 400 delegates, seven committees, a full press complement, and, of course, our trademark unconventional council. We are pleased to invite you to take part in one of India’s largest, most successful and most widely recognized MUNs. Your participation is eagerly looked forward to.
For further details, please send an email to info@bitsmun.in

A letter to our International Executives

BITSMUN, one of India's premier MUN experiences, is pleased to announce its sixth edition, to be held at BITS PILANI K.K. BIRLA GOA CAMPUS. BITSMUN 2014 will be held from 7th to 9th February, 2014 as a part of the institute’s technical festival Quark.
It gives us, the Secretariat, a great deal of satisfaction to be able to invite you to be a part of this year's conference. At BITSMUN, we are deeply committed to the goal of bringing to life, via a realistic, academic simulation, the thriving international diplomatic community of the United Nations, and providing our delegates with a deep and lasting insight into the functioning of those distinguished international bodies that play such an important role in running the modern world.
BITSMUN has always stood out from the rest of the MUN crowd for a great deal of reasons. Firstly, our councils. As one of the few truly great MUNs conducted by a Society of Engineers, we constantly strive to bring the same spirit of innovation and intensive research with which we live our lives to the conference itself- as a result, technology and out-of-the-box solutions are always at the forefront. As an example, in addition to our United Nations bodies and Specialized Agencies, we also bring you a Joint Crisis Cabinet set during one of the first great ancient wars- Hannibal Barca’s Second Punic War, 218 B.C., the details of which may be found on our website. Multimedia options are also being implemented to improve the quality of the simulation.
Next, the excellence of our social events. BITSMUN 2014 offers two social nights, one of which is a Delegates’ Ball, providing a great opportunity for attendees to interact with their peers from all over the subcontinent, and the other, our trademark Party on the Beach.
Further, the caliber of the delegates that BITSMUN attracts is of the highest degree. Delegates from colleges across the country take time off from their busy schedule for three days of intense activity. The sheer variety of cultures, from all over the subcontinent, and the incredible quality of debate, add up to make BITSMUN a deeply fascinating event.
And, finally, the location itself. Set in the sprawling confines of one of India’s most beautiful college campuses, in the balmy sun and white beaches of Goa, BITSMUN truly does have something to offer every MUN patron.
With a humble beginning in 2009 with 60 delegates in attendance, BITSMUN has come a long way, with last year’s conference having over 320 delegates across seven councils debating furiously on various international issues.
We are proud to announce that BITSMUN 2014 is set to be the biggest BITSMUN ever, with a strength of over 400 delegates, seven committees, a full press complement, and, of course, our trademark unconventional council. We are pleased to invite you to take part in one of India’s largest, most successful and most widely recognized MUNs. Your participation is eagerly looked forward to.
For further details, please send an email to info@bitsmun.in

Associations

NIMUN

Skyteam

NIMUN

NUST International Model United Nations 2015 is the latest installment in the series of successful International Model UNs hosted by the National University of Sciences and Technology based in Islamabad, the capital metropolis of Pakistan. An environment defined by the theme of Sovereignty Stability Sustainability, NIMUN'15 will provide a challenging platform for veteran delegates from several countries, and be conducive to a learning experience for beginners, as they engage in various activities. This year, NIMUN ’15 in collaboration with BITSMUN aims to empower the youth by introducing them to a range of global challenges designed to cultivate public speaking skills and foster a setting favorable for negotiation. The chance to interact with delegates from not only Pakistan but from across the globe will nurture the understanding of various cultures and become a valuable contribution to their experience.